Transiting the Suez Canal

Day 95 of 164 Days Around the World Cruise

The Suez Canal is an artificial waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, providing a direct shipping route between Europe and Asia. It was built in the late 19th century and has since played a significant role in global trade, particularly in the transportation of oil and other goods.

The idea of a canal in Egypt dates back to ancient times, but it wasn't until the 19th century that the project was finally realized. The French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps was instrumental in its construction, and the canal was opened in 1869. The canal's construction was a monumental achievement of engineering, with tens of thousands of workers involved in digging the canal, which is over 100 miles long.

The Suez Canal has been the site of many conflicts and disputes over the years, particularly during the 20th century. During the two World Wars, the canal was closed to international shipping, and in 1956, it was nationalized by the Egyptian government, leading to a military conflict between Egypt and several European powers.

In recent years, the Suez Canal has become the focus of attention due to the blockage of the canal by a container ship in March 2021, which caused a significant disruption to global trade. The incident highlighted the importance of the canal in international trade and underscored the potential risks and challenges associated with relying on a single shipping route.

Overall, the Suez Canal has played a crucial role in connecting the world's markets and facilitating global trade. While it has faced its share of challenges and controversies, it remains an essential artery for the movement of goods between Europe and Asia.